Dorothy Day, who died in 1980, converted to the Catholic Faith and was the founder of the Catholic Worker movement, which fosters service to the poor. She had an abortion, after which she lived as a single mother and responded to God’s call to the apostolate.
Lord, we thank you for your servant Dorothy Day,
An example in our times
Of the healing you offer
And the call you enable us to live
To serve those in need.
We thank you that the Gospel of Life
Is the Gospel of Mercy.
We praise you for the healing and forgiveness
You offer to all sinners,
Including those who have had abortions.
We thank you for the call to which Dorothy responded
To serve the poor and needy
And to inspire others
To live in solidarity with them.
We thank you for all who serve
The poorest of the poor, the unborn.
Bless your Church,
That all may understand the sanctity of life,
Which is at the foundation
Of every form of service to the human person.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life